(GRANGER) - U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly released the following statement following reports of North Korea's nuclear test.

Donnelly said, "North Korea's provocative tests are a threat to the U.S. and the entire global community. I reiterate my urgent call that North Korea's unacceptable actions be met by a comprehensive U.S. strategy that involves our allies from around the world. It is also long past time for China to step up to seriously and credibly confront the North Korean threat, a topic I will be pressing this week as the Senate Banking Committee examines sanctions enforcement on both North Korea and China."

On Thursday, the Senate Banking Committee will holding a hearing, "Evaluating Sanctions Enforcement and Policy Options on North Korea." This hearing comes after Donnelly and U.S. Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE) continued to call for increased sanctions on both North Korea and China designed to crack down on North Korea's weapons program. Donnelly and Sasse encouraged the Banking Committee, during a May subcommittee hearing, to push the Administration on its options to expand sanctions and highlight the additional tools available to punish North Korea and those who assist in their illegal activity.

Donnelly also will continue pressing for a comprehensive strategy to address the North Korean threat as the Senate considers the national defense bill this week.

Donnelly serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee. On the Banking Committee he is Ranking Member of the National Security and International Trade and Finance Subcommittee.